Project Start Year: 2026
The Hokitika Stopbank Upgrade Stage 3 project is an upgrade to the existing stopbank along the north side of Hokitika River, as part of a multi-staged programme of works to increase flood resilience for Hokitika. Stage 3 runs from State Highway 6 down river to Sunset Point and is adjacent to the town’s CBD. Stage 1 was completed in 2024 and runs from Town Belt East down river to State Highway 6.
Benefits
Construction of Stage 3 builds on the work completed to Stage 1 upriver of State Highway 6 by bringing the flood protection scheme up to the same level of service, protecting commercial, industrial and residential property and essential services that are vulnerable to flooding in a 1:100-year flood event (meaning a flood of this magnitude has a 1% likelihood of occurring in any given year).
Adaptation and Resilience
The project was initiated in response to climate change and the risk of more frequent, higher intensity rainfall, larger flood events, and projected sea level rise. The design height of the upgraded stopbanks includes allowances for storm surge and climate change. Stage 1 (co-funded by central government as part of its investment in climate resilience projects) was completed to the upgraded design height in December 2024. Completion of Stage 3 between 2026 and 2028 brings the stopbanks protecting Hokitika township to a consistent level of service with the work completed in December 2024.
Collaboration
This project has been co-funded through the Regional Investment Fund (RIF) and West Coast Regional Council
The Hokitika Flood Protection Scheme was completed in 1962 by the Westland Catchment Board. The upgrade of Stage 1 between 2023 and 2024 and the upgrade between 2026 and 2028 are the first substantial upgrades since the scheme was first built. Recognition of the risks to Hokitika and the commitment to mitigating those risks represents an ongoing partnership between the community, West Coast Regional Council and central government in the delivery of flood protection infrastructure for Hokitika.
